Monogram Styles Used:

• Baroque XL Monogram Set 1
• Medieval Monogram Set 3

Monogram: R

This project was for a large single-initial monogram to go on a duvet cover- something striking but simple, with a bit of an "old world" feel.

The larger center letter R from the Baroque 1 XL Monogram Set was the starting point. This style has compatible flanking letters and a ring embellishment, so it can be a complete thought for a three- letter monogram.

Just one initial from this style seemed too plain, so we looked for ways to add something decorative and abstract on either side.

The letter I from many of our styles can be used alone or in multiples for this purpose (see some of the other entries in our Combinations feature). We pasted two copies of the letter I from the Medieval Monogram Set 3, and briefly considered using them in their normal form. To be sure that these letters functioned as design elements - and wouldn't be confused as initials - we rotated the letter 90 degrees, and flipped one copy over so that the included dot faced out on each side. There are manual seed stitches in these letters, which added a bit of elegance. The completed monogram looks great in a tone-on-tone color combination, with the central letter R in a slightly darker thread color.

The overall size is 7" (177mm) tall by 11 3/4" (298mm) wide.

How we made these monograms

Embroidery software programs make it easy to delete elements, copy and paste elements from other designs, resize different aspects, and merge elements together into one new design. Each program is a bit different in how the Edit functions are managed. Once you have learned to use yours, creating new monograms from other monogram parts is creative and fun. Experiment with different arrangements and colors.